The beef cattle breeds in South Africa are awesome breeds with growth rates which makes them excellent for both the indigenes and foreigners running beef cattle farms.
According to research of NERPO ( National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation) study, the most popular beef cattle breeds in South Africa the Nguni, Brahman, Bonsmara, and Afrikaner.
The livestock sector in South Africa directly supports close to 13 million people. In the first quarter of 2023, the animal products including beef cattle in South Africa provided the largest contribution to agricultural revenue at 56%.
So, what are the best beef cattle breeds to choose from, for cattle beef production in South Africa?
List of Beef Cattle Breeds In South Africa
1. Nguni
The Nguni breed is a type of cow raised for meat or beef in South Africa. They get their name from the Nguni tribes who first started farming them long ago.
Nguni cattle are medium-sized animals. The cows weigh between 300-400 kg while bulls weigh 500-600 kg. They have slick skin that makes it hard for ticks to grab onto them.
2. Brahman
Brahman cattle characteristics:
- Brahman is a medium-sized beef cattle breed
- Brahman bulls weigh between 700 to 1000 kg
- Brahman cows weigh between 450 kg to 650 kg
- They exhibit a rapid growth rate
- High yielding meat
They are also extremely hardy, with their short hair making it difficult for parasites to attach to it and the cattle secreting an oily substance that repels insects.
3. Afrikaner
Afrikaner cattle breed characteristics:
- Afrikaner is a medium to large cattle breed
- They have long horns that turn upwards
- They have high yielding meat rate
- Mature bull weighs between 820 to 1090 kg
- Cow weigh around 450 kg
4. Bonsmara
Bonsmara cattle breed characteristics:
- The Bonsmara was bred out of Afrikaner, Hereford, and Shorthorn cattle
- Mature cows on average weigh between 500 to 550 kg
- The bulls weigh around 800 kg
- Bonsmara can be used on its own or to enhance the meat and mothering qualities of other breeds
5. Drakensberg
Drakensberg cattle breed characteristics:
- Cows weigh between 500 kg to 550 kg and bulls weigh between 800 kg to 1 000 kg
- The breed adapts to harsh environmental conditions
- Resistant to heat, cold, and disease
- Drakensberg cattle also have a high feed conversion ratio to meat production
6. Simmentaler
Simmentaler cattle breed characteristics:
- Simmentaler is a medium to large framed animal with good muscling and little fat
- They have smooth coats making it hard for tick infection
- Good for crossbreeding
7. Hereford
Hereford cattle breed traits:
- Hereford cattle breed is medium-framed
- The average weight of cows ranges between 500 to 650 kg and
- The bulls weigh between 900 to 1100 kg
- High yielding meat
8. Beefmaster
Beefmaster cattle breed characteristics:
- Beefmaster cows are excellent mothers, producing above average milk
- Beefmaster has the highest yielding meat rate
- They can withstand harsh weather conditions
- High resistance to disease
9. Angus
Angus cattle breed traits:
- Angus Beef well known as Aberdeen Angus
- Angus beef is superior to most other breeds
- Angus cattle thrive in regions with cool climatic conditions
10. Ankole
Ankloe cattle characteristics:
- They can adapt to harsh and extreme weather conditions
- They can thrive on low-quality forage
- High resistance to disease and tick
- They have lean meat low in cholesterol
- Their meat contain high in Omega 3 and 9
These beef cattle breeds in South Africa, regardless of their superior traits in high meat yielding, it is highly recommended to keep them nourished to add value to their production and general health.
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